US firms may invest in four smart cities in Kolkata

American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham India) officials will meet representatives of different urban local bodies and consultants this month to discuss the plans of the smart cities as well as theme townships.Suman Chakraborti | TNN | October 07, 2015, 07:57 IST

India also updated the American side about the committee to fast-track and facilitate US investments into India and the 'Make in India' programme.KOLKATA: The government may receive investments from US-based companies for the development of the proposed four smart cities in the state. American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham India) officials will meet representatives of different urban local bodies and consultants this month to discuss the plans of the smart cities as well as theme townships.

A state delegation, including state urban development secretary Debashis Sen, had a meeting with the AmCham India in New Delhi on Monday. In the presentation, the officials discussed the ways in which US companies could partner with the four smart city projects in the state. After the meeting, the firms are expectesd to express their preference for particular schemes.

The state officials also highlighted the opportunities in the six-theme townships, also aiming for “smart development”. A suggestion was also placed before AmCham India if it could get involved as a handhold agency, similar to some of the city-based business chambers for the Dumurjala sports city project.

Sen also met the National Housing Bank (NHB) chairman with a proposal to form a partnership with the government to help make financial and investment plans for the six theme-township projects. A discussion was also held with the urban development ministry over the methods to be adopted for evaluating the Smart City proposal.